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Liam has said of the song: "I like beautiful things...It's not all dark in Liam World. I take me shades off every now and again and have a look at the world and see some nice things." Noel Gallagher stated jokingly in an interview with Patrick Kielty that Liam decided to "write a song about his bird", and states the title "Song... bird" in a cave man like manner. The song was written as a tribute to then-fiancée Nicole Appleton.[1] "Songbird" was composed in the key of G major using common time at 132 beats per minute.[2]

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Songbird blew my head off when I first heard it because it was that f--king simple and that direct. But when Liam plays you a song he wants you to instantly f--king drop dead on the spot and then, when you come around, stab yourself in the heart and be in awe of the f--king sonic ability of the man.[3]

The song was released as the fourth single from the band's Heathen Chemistry album, on 3 February 2003[4] and peaked at number 3 in the UK charts.[5] It is included on the band's compilation album Stop the Clocks.[6] Being written by lead singer Liam Gallagher,[7] it was the first time the band had released a single not written by his brother Noel. "(You've Got) The Heart of the Star" and "Columbia" are B-sides, the latter of which was recorded live at the Glasgow, in October 2001.[4] The music video was filmed in Hyde Park in London, and featured Liam playing an acoustic guitar under a tree, and alternately chasing and being chased by a dog. The video also has an appearance by Appleton.[1]

The demo of the song is a typical Oasis approach to the song, featuring overdriven guitar and a stronger beat, as well as a guitar solo. Courtney Love has said that she and Liam played a version with her whistling and Gallagher playing guitar and singing, this was noted in the book Kurt and Courtney: Talking. Gallagher played the song for UK Radio Aid in January 2005.[8]

Doug Levy for CMJ New Music Report said that Gallagher had a "surprising talent for songwriting", referring to "Songbird" and album tracks "Better Man" and "Born a Different Cloud".[9]Spin magazine's Chuck Klosterman said "Songbird" was one of the two "most compelling songs" on the album.[7]